principle

/ˈprɪnsəpəl/
noun
  1. A fundamental truth, rule, or belief that guides behavior or reasoning.
    • One of the basic principles of democracy is that everyone gets a vote.
    • The company operates on the principle of honesty and fairness.
    • She refused to lie because it went against her principles.
  2. A general scientific law or rule that explains how something works.
    • Archimedes discovered the principle of buoyancy while taking a bath.
    • This machine works on the principle of air pressure.
    • The principle of gravity explains why objects fall to the ground.
  3. A rule or standard of good behavior or moral conduct.
    • He is a man of principle who always does the right thing.
    • She stuck to her principles even when it was difficult.
    • It's a matter of principle to return what you borrow.
What does "principle" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean